Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services personnel work to extricate the body of a man killed in a forklift accident Wednesday morning. Authorities identified the victim as 21-year-old Josh Roberts of Woodstock. Special to the Cherokee Tribune

Emergency responders worked for more than five hours Wednesday afternoon removing the body of a man killed in a forklift accident at Little River Marina.

The man, identified as 21-year-old Josh Roberts of Woodstock, was crushed by the forklift, according to the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office.

At about 11:19 a.m., deputies and Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services personnel were dispatched to the area regarding a work-related death.

Sheriff Roger Garrison, who arrived on the scene near Bells Ferry Road soon after the accident took place, said three or four marina employees were repairing a large forklift Wednesday morning. In the process of fixing the machine, a portion of the lift fell and crushed Roberts, Garrison said.

“The forklift in question was inoperable,” Garrison said. “The forks were raised to the highest level by another forklift and somehow the lift on the one the victim was on fell and trapped and crushed the victim.”

Tim Cavender, spokesman for Cherokee Fire, said a section, either the mast or upright, of the 1973-model forklift broke loose.

“Cherokee County firefighters arrived on the scene minutes after the accident occurred and pronounced him dead at the scene,” Cavender said, adding the operation was assisted by Mauldin’s Body Shop to secure and stabilize the forklift so the body could be removed.

Garrison said the extrication was “very challenging” and Roberts’ body was not removed until after 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

“They did a hard job,” Garrison said of the responding deputies and emergency services personnel. “It was a very complex, dangerous situation.”

Baker said although no foul play is suspected, Cherokee Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the incident. Officials with Occupational Safety and Health Administration are also investigating the incident, he added.

My feelings go out to the family of this young man. I was General manager of Little River Marina from March 1991 until late year of 2002. If I had still been running that Marina, I don't think I could have lived with myself. If it was the lift I think it was it should have been salvaged as junk by now. I was very fortunate that no one was ever hurt seriously or worse, except myself, and after all these years I am still totally disabled from the injury.Theres not a day goes by that I don't think about the Marina and all the customers and friends I had there. People don't realize how dangerous Marine work can be. I am so sorry that I just heard about this today, July 23rd, 2013. I remember going to a managers seminar and Sheriff Garrison was there sitting with me, he is a fine man and I know he and his people did all they could do, but those lifts weight around 25 tons dry.Again my feelings go out to the family and friends of Josh and if I can be of any assistance in some way to the family or if you just want to talk you can reach me at my e-mail first jeff.53@yahoo.com. I will suffer from my injury probably the rest of my life. IT gets worse as time goes by . My prayers goes out to all of you to be blessed with emotional improvement,and any other needs. Sincerely, William Jeff Currie

We keep our boat at the dry dock at Little River. Josh was a wonderful. Being unexperienced at backing a boat trailer into the docking area, Josh would always show up to assist. He knew us when we came to use our boat and always gave a wave and a smile as well as can I help you with your supplies/cooler. Truly a wonderful person. My heart goes out to his friends and family. He will be missed.

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